Guildford 4th team win by 7 wickets

Despite some last-minute pull outs and call ups, the 4th team managed to piece together a strong group of 10 men to travel to Reigate. Due to a combination of discovering that all 10 men were self-proclaimed all-rounders on arrival as well as a brief pitch inspection, we decided to bowl first after winning the toss.

The duo of Ollie and Dylan Kirk got proceedings under way and provided us with a strong start with Dylan picking up an early wicket. The spin combination of Ram Bhatt and KK were then introduced and looked really threatening, creating some good chances for us to add to our promising start. It was KK's bowling that provided us with the highlight of the innings, in which his dad Sugesh arguably cost him a second wicket by deciding to hold off a potential catch on the boundary and instead letting it leak through his rusty long barrier for a boundary. Reigate were unable to build a partnership of real sustenance throughout the innings as wickets fell regularly. Young Alex Bhatt was certainly one of the pick of the bowlers as he finished with figures of 1-23, this was nicely backed up by very tidy spells from both Rohan and Rejith with Rohan claiming 2 victims. It was again Sugeth providing more entertainment for the team as he bowled his first over in years - this began with him getting punished for consecutive boundaries but coming back strongly to pick up a wicket which nestled nicely in the hands of his offspring KK. Some fine death bowling at the end from Alex, Dylan and Ollie (who picked up a much deserved wicket) restricted Reigate to 163-9. A mention must also go to Liam who took a sharp catch down the leg side and gave very little away all innings behind the sticks.

It was then Guildford's turn to bat with Jack and Rohan opening up. Any early nerves were settled amongst the dressing room with Rohan dispatching one through the covers and hitting a colossal six over square-leg. Rohan was then dismissed for 15 which brought Rejith to the crease. Rejith and Jack made a partnership of 70 before Jack held out for 46. Rejith went on to score an unbeaten 50* (retired) which included some powerful shots, latching onto any loose bowling. Dylan (30*) and KK (8*) finished off the game with some brutal hitting (so brutal one of the opposition fielders had to go off injured...) with the score of 163 being surpassed in just 18.1 overs.

All in all, a very successful day for the 4's with everyone contributing nicely to the win and the game was played in great spirit the whole way through. Man of the match was awarded to Dylan for his 2-16 and 30* (15) with a special mention to Rejith for his well-played 50*.